2-15 VS 2-12 Comparison

Grog · July 12, 2025, 08:30:02 AM

I have always preferred 15" speakers for bass, especially for Gibson Basses. I have a 2-15 setup where we practice & a 2-12 setup at home. Trying out the Non Reverse Thunderbird bass I bought recently, I wasn't overly impressed with how it sounded in my setup at home. Loved the sound at practice. I was telling our guitarist how much better it sounded in the 2-15 amp in his room. He said, bring the smaller amp over & we'll try them side by side. So I did. My house was built in 1988, I get a lot of vibration. His house was built 40 years earlier, next to no vibration. I set up both amps side by side with matching settings, surprisingly not much difference at all! At my age, a lightweight amp is more important than it was 20 years ago. I probably would have never used the 12" setup much, but now I'm changing my thoughts on it.

Pilgrim · July 12, 2025, 03:32:26 PM

Quote from: Grog on July 12, 2025, 08:30:02 AMI have always preferred 15" speakers for bass, especially for Gibson Basses. I have a 2-15 setup where we practice & a 2-12 setup at home. Trying out the Non Reverse Thunderbird bass I bought recently, I wasn't overly impressed with how it sounded in my setup at home. Loved the sound at practice. I was telling our guitarist how much better it sounded in the 2-15 amp in his room. He said, bring the smaller amp over & we'll try them side by side. So I did. My house was built in 1988, I get a lot of vibration. His house was built 40 years earlier, next to no vibration. I set up both amps side by side with matching settings, surprisingly not much difference at all! At my age, a lightweight amp is more important than it was 20 years ago. I probably would have never used the 12" setup much, but now I'm changing my thoughts on it.

I grew up with a 15, but I am very happy with the Genz 12" that I normally play through. I also have a Fender Rumble 12" that sounds great to my ear.

BTL · July 12, 2025, 05:09:51 PM

I've never A/B'ed 12s vs. 15s, but I read a lot about the newer GB and Mesa gear as it was developed. I don't think you lose anything when you go with modern 12s.

morrow · July 13, 2025, 06:47:00 AM

I just used 15s for years , but decided to downsize some years ago. I've been mostly running a light Bergantino HDN 12. Small , light , and deep.

Son of Dave W · July 13, 2025, 08:46:05 AM

I also switched over to the lighter cabs, and for 95% of venues/PAs, glad I did. Berg NXT210 with a bit of fiddling w EQs, does the job, even from 210. I have an Eden 210XLT that seems to have some extra low end, but it's still 70lbs.

Grog · July 14, 2025, 07:22:22 AM

I more so than not just bring one 15". I've only used the 12's for lightweight PA speakers. I've always thought I would need both 12's to do the work of one 15", maybe not!

Rob · July 14, 2025, 07:47:25 AM

I really like this comparison. . .
Thanks

Pilgrim · July 14, 2025, 10:34:38 AM

Quote from: Grog on July 14, 2025, 07:22:22 AMI more so than not just bring one 15". I've only used the 12's for lightweight PA speakers. I've always thought I would need both 12's to do the work of one 15", maybe not!

I think that would depend a lot on the efficiency of each of the speakers involved.

hollowbody · November 02, 2025, 10:37:41 AM

I still use an Acoustic 2x15 for outdoor shows, but pretty much everything else I use a Barefaced Super Twin 2x12 cab. The sound is similar, though the 2x15 has a little more top end sparkle that the Barefaced doesn't have.